Federer beats Djokovic to claim Swiss title

BASEL, Switzerland (AP):

Roger Federer reclaimed his hometown title from Novak Djokovic, beating the defending champion 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 in the Swiss Indoors final yesterday.

The top-seeded Federer broke the Serb's serve early in the first and twice in the deciding set to cruise to victory in under two hours. Federer's 65th career singles title moved him past Pete Sampras into sole possession of fourth on the list in the modern era. Jimmy Connors leads with 109.

The Basel-born Federer was watched courtside by his parents, his wife, Mirka and their 15-month-old twin daughters, Myla and Charlene.

"It's very emotional winning at home. It makes it extra special because I live here and because the fans are behind me," Federer said.

Three straight titles

A former ballboy at the tournament, Federer won three straight Swiss Indoors titles from 2006-08, before Djokovic broke the streak when they met in last year's final.

"It's great to have won it after losing last year. It reminded me of last year's match, but (this time) I got off to a great start in the third set," he said.

Djokovic said he lost "a little bit of balance and focus" in the decider.

"You don't get many chances against Roger when he is on top of you. There was no way back," Djokovic said.

Federer is 4-4 in finals this year after winning titles at the Australian Open, Cincinnati Masters and the Stockholm Open.

The 29-year-old Swiss improved to 12-6 lifetime against Djokovic and 3-1 this year. His only loss to the 23-year-old Serb this season came in a five-set US Open semi-final in which he wasted two match points.

"Results-wise, Roger is the best player ever to play the game," Djokovic said in an on-court interview.

Federer will take a 57-12 season mark - and number-one seeding in the absence with a shoulder injury of top-ranked Rafael Nadal - into the Paris Masters, which began yesterday. It's the last event before the eight-man ATP World Tour Finals being held November 21-28 in London.